Crochet dumplings are one of the cutest amigurumi trends — round, squishy and full of personality. In this tutorial you’ll follow a free crochet dumpling pattern and learn the simple “pinch” technique that creates realistic pleats. Then you’ll see how to turn plain dumplings into Christmas characters.
💡 Once you’ve finished this free project, you’ll find our Santa, Elf and Reindeer dumpling trio pattern at the end of the tutorial.
In this tutorial
What You Need
- Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton blend in cream
- 3.5 mm (E-4) hook
- Two 6 mm safety eyes (or black floss for embroidered eyes), pink and black floss
- Fiberfill, yarn needle, stitch marker
Abbreviations (US terms): MR = magic ring, ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, inc = 2 sc in the same stitch, dec = single crochet two together (invisible decrease recommended), BLO = back loop only. The number in brackets is the stitch count at the end of the round.
Free Pattern: Basic Crochet Dumpling (about 2.5 in / 6 cm wide)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
Round 2: inc in each st around. (12)
Round 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
Rounds 6–9: sc in each st around. (30)
Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 7 and 8, about 4 stitches apart. Low-set eyes look cuter!
Round 10: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
Round 11: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
Round 12: (sc, dec) x6. Stuff, but not too firmly. (12)
Round 13: dec x6. Fasten off and close. (6)
How to Make the Pleats
- Thread a long piece of cream yarn on your needle and insert it from the bottom center up through the very top.
- Bring the needle down along the outside to the “equator” (around Round 7 at the back), and push it back into the dumpling and up to the top again.
- Pull gently — a small pleat forms.
- Repeat 5 more times, evenly spaced around the back half, so you have 6 pleats.
- Knot the yarn at the bottom and hide the tail inside.
Finish the face: embroider a tiny “V” smile in black floss and two small pink cheeks.
Free printable version
Prefer paper? Download this free tutorial as a printable PDF to keep next to your yarn.
Loved making this?
Your first dumpling is smiling at you. Now picture a tiny steamer basket with Santa, an Elf and a Reindeer inside — and the face of the person who lifts the lid. Our Christmas Dumplings Trio pattern includes all three hats, the antlers and the basket.
Yes, I want to make it – $2Instant PDF download · stitch counts on every row · US terms
Make It Christmassy
- Santa: add a little red cone hat with a white brim and a pom-pom.
- Elf: a pointed green hat with a tiny bell.
- Reindeer: brown antlers, small ears and a red nose.
- Snowman: a mini scarf and an orange nose.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
- Use a hook one size smaller than the yarn label so stuffing doesn’t show.
- Don’t overstuff — the pleats need a little give.
- Use a pastel dough color for Easter or birthday versions.
- Glue a magnet on the back for fridge dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does one dumpling take?
About 45 minutes to an hour.
Are safety eyes safe for babies?
For children under 3, embroider the eyes instead.
New to amigurumi? Read our amigurumi for beginners guide, then try our mini ornament tips.
Happy hooking! 🧶 Ready for the next step? The Christmas Dumplings Trio Amigurumi pattern is just $2 — and every purchase helps us keep writing free tutorials like this one.
Leave a Reply